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Stars information

  • Green stars designWelcome to the STARS

    For several years many schools in South Yorkshire have participated in the school travel award scheme, SAFEMark. This has been replaced with a scheme called the School Travel Activity Reward Scheme - or STARS. This also recognises the work undertaken by schools as part of their School Travel Plan implementation.

    To support your school in this, Travel South Yorkshire’s Education and Safety team has formed closer links with School Travel Advisors and Road Safety Officers at Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield councils. Our objective is supporting sustainable travel to and from schools across South Yorkshire.

    The Travel South Yorkshire education team standing together The Benefits of the Stars

    The School Travel Activity Reward Scheme is intended to act as an incentive and to reward schools for implementing their School Travel Plan and participating in Travel South Yorkshire’s Travel Advice for Education and Safety programme.

    Initiatives which result in more walking, cycling and public transport usage, along with a reduction in anti-social behaviour on the journey to and from school, will be recognised by STARS. Successful implementation of these initiatives will result in lower car use on the journey to, from and around schools leading to fewer accidents and reduced congestion, as well as healthier children and positive comments in your school’s OfSTED report. A school which can boast a STARS award in its prospectus and other school literature adds another dimension to its appeal.

    In addition, all schools are required by the Government to have a School Travel Plan, so STARS offers schools that extra focus for their efforts.

    Three people standing in front of an information boardSTARS also links to specific initiatives in South Yorkshire including the Barnsley Reward Scheme, Rotherham Sustainable Schools, Crucial Crew, Prison Me No Way and Eco Schools. These encourage environmental responsibility, improve road safety and reduce child casualties, improve children’s health and development and reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

    At the end of the academic year, schools gaining an award will be presented with a certificate and other prizes.